Laurin Schmid/SOS MEDITERRANEE
World Refugee Day, on June 20, is a recognition of the unimaginable hardships faced by refugees and a celebration of their strength, resilience, and hope for the future.
As migration across the Mediterranean intensifies once again, new data and tragic headlines point to shifting routes, stricter border policies, and an alarming increase in migrant deaths. Sudanese refugees rerouting through Libya, new UN warnings on abuses, and a key European court ruling on Italy’s maritime responsibility—all highlight the urgent need for coordinated action. On our weekly newsletter, explore the latest developments from June 2025, offering a comprehensive look at the humanitarian and political challenges shaping the region.
Egypt’s crackdown drives Sudanese refugees on new route to Libya and beyond
June 11, 2025 — By Amina Ismail, Nasifa Eltahir and Renee Maltezou
Summary
- Sudanese refugees increasingly fleeing to Libya from Egypt
- Economic hardship, crackdown in Egypt driving refugees onwards
- UNHCR: 134% rise in Sudanese arriving in Europe so far in 2025
- Egypt says no bias against Sudanese, all receive their rights
- EU pledges billions of euros to Egypt to curb migration
European court rules Italy not liable for Libyan Coast Guard actions in fatal 2017 boat sinking
June 12, 2025 — By Molly Quell
The European Court of Human Rights ruled that Italy is not liable for the actions of the Libyan Coast Guard during the fatal 2017 sinking of a migrant boat near Tripoli. The court found that Italy did not have “effective control” over the waters where the incident occurred .
IOM reaches milestone as 100,000 migrants return home from Libya
June 16, 2025
The IOM has successfully assisted over 100,000 migrants in returning to their home countries from Libya through its Voluntary Humanitarian Return (VHR) programme. This milestone underscores the programme’s vital role in providing a safe and dignified return for migrants who have faced challenging conditions in Libya.
Of those assisted, nearly 73,000 were men, close to 17,000 women, and over 10,000 children – some of whom were unaccompanied – a reflection of the diversity and vulnerability of Libya’s migrant population.
Tess Barthes / SOS MEDITERRANEE
At least eight drown in Red Sea as smugglers force migrants overboard
June 11, 2025
“survivors of a people-smuggling operation in the Red Sea have described being forced off their boat far from the coast of Djibouti and left to swim for their lives.”
At least eight people drowned in the Red Sea after smugglers forced around 250 migrants overboard near Yemen. According to the IOM, many of the migrants are still missing.
Migrants Travelling to Europe by Land and by Sea: Journeys, vulnerabilities and needs of migrants along the Mediterranean, African Atlantic and Western Balkan routes in 2024
June 6, 2025 — IOM
Key findings:
- Shifts in migration routes and scale
- Increased interceptions and returns
- High fatality rates despite few arrivals
- Most adults are young adult males
- Reasons why people migrate
Jérémie Lusseau / SOS MEDITERRANEE
Egypt: IOM appeals for action after ten migrant bodies found on coast
June 11, 2025
The IOM has issued an urgent appeal for international action following the discovery of ten drowned migrant bodies along Egypt’s northwestern coastline near Marsa Matrouh while attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya.
The IOM commended the Egyptian authorities for their humane response, which aligns with international humanitarian law. The organization reiterated its call for enhanced international cooperation to address the root causes of irregular migration and to establish safe, inclusive, and regular pathways for migrants.
Protothema in Gavdos: The Mediterranean’s new death passage – The anatomy of a crisis
June 17, 2025 — By Yiannis Charamidis
Over the past year, Gavdos has become a primary landing point for migrants crossing the Mediterranean from Libya, and the island is ill-equipped to handle the influx, lacking essential infrastructure and resources.
Despite the gravity of the situation, cooperation with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, is reported to be ineffective. The article highlights that over 2,200 individuals perished on this route in 2024 alone, with more than 1,000 still missing.
